127 - Your Roadmap to Meeting New People

Dating can be intimidating for anyone, but if you're living with a disability, it might feel like an impossible hurdle to overcome. One of my core beliefs about dating is that dating, for anyone, can be a puzzle to be figured out - in your own way. You may just need guidance and support in doing so.

One of the areas this is very true is how to meet new people. While many people find their partners through work and other common venues, many others need to new people in order to meet people they can date. When you have a certain routine in your life or you have limited access to go where you want when you want, meeting new people can be hard. You may be thinking meeting new people is hard work. Yes, it might require a bit more effort and creativity, but the rewards can be immense. It's natural to feel hesitant or uncertain, but don't let that stop you from putting yourself out there.

One common struggle for many people, disability or not, is following through on commitments. It's hard for me to follow through on anything. This sentiment can be particularly daunting when it comes to trying to meet new people. But remember, meeting people is quite like a puzzle in itself. You often have to try many places and get to know various people before finding the right combination of what feels like a fit. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or missed connections. Keep moving forward, and eventually, you'll find someone who appreciates your efforts.

But in order to do this, you need commit yourself to doing the work. Accountability and follow through are crucial in any dating efforts. This is another key element I teach about dating and one of the reasons I created the Dating Made Easier membership because a lot of trials and errors are needed to make dating successful and you often need ongoing support and encouragement when you’re putting yourself out there. Why is accountability and follow through important? Because it shows reliability, trustworthiness, and respect for both yourself and others. When you make plans to pursue your dreams, sticking to those plans demonstrates your commitment and integrity.

The most rewarding things in life always require a little more focus and time. This holds true for taking risks and trying new things like meeting new people as well. While it might be tempting to rush into things or give up when faced with obstacles, remember that meaningful connections take patience and dedication. Take the time to truly get to know someone and allow them to get to know you.

Seeking support from your friends and the people who love you can make a world of difference in staying accountable and continuing to put yourself out there to meet new people. Whether it's friends, family, or a therapist, having a support system can provide encouragement, advice, and a listening ear when you need it most. Don't be afraid to lean on others for help and guidance along the way.

It's easy to blame external factors or circumstances for how hard it is to meet new people, but ultimately your dating success comes down to you and your willingness to do the work. Take ownership of your journey and be proactive in pursuing the connections you desire. By staying focused, resilient, and true to yourself, you can handle any challenges that come your way.

To help you, I have updated my Roadmap to How to Meet New People guide to include ideas for where to meet people and how to go about doing so in a way that feels right for you. Just a side note, another benefit to joining Dating Made Easier is members get more extensive guides on topics like meeting people with a plan and support of how to put your learning into action.

Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back from experiencing the joys of dating. Embrace the journey, celebrate your successes, and learn from your setbacks. With determination, patience, and a positive mindset, you can find meaningful and fulfilling relationships, regardless of any obstacles you may face.

Remember, everything, no matter how impossible you think it may be, in dating can be figured out. And if one of your biggest dreams is finding love, then what else are you going to do? Deny yourself of happiness? I don’t think so. You’re going to keep trying until it works.

Check out our Dating Memberships:

Dating Made Easier (for all people wanting to date) - is a monthly membership for anyone (with or without disabilities) who wants support and guidance in dating skills and getting the RESULTS you want in dating and relationships. Click here to learn more.

Supporting Dating and Relationships membership (for special educators and professionals in disability services) - is for professionals in the disability field who are looking for training and resources to effectively help students/people with disabilities in developing dating and relationship skills. Click here to learn more.

Music by Successful Motivation

Artwork photo by Elevate